Artist: Martin Newcomb P: 1999The second album from Martin Newcomb, proprietor of the Synthesiser Museum, and again those with a taste for chunky analogue sounds will be in heaven here.

This is undoubtedly a more mature release than the debut album, and the likes of the Moog Modular, Emu Modular and the VCS3 are manipulated skilfully to produce complex and fascinating textures. With such a gargantuan arsenal of synths at your disposal it would be easy to overload proceedings, but often the “less is more” approach prevails with beneficial results.

Though the title suggests a morose dirge, I’ve actually heard a lot more sombre music than this. However, do not buy this album expectant of Redshift style sequencing or even beguiling melodics. Rhythm is a fleeting visitor, most notable on parts 5, 7, and the enjoyable ‘Part 8’ which is the most “composed” piece on offer - but in the most part expect healthy portions of organic mood music. Undoubtedly interesting, even down to the tantalising cover photos - can someone identify the modular monster on the cover?! (GG)